A familiar meeting place for young people

The "Exchange Books for Trees" program in 2024 was launched in mid-May, marking the 6th time the Fly To Sky charity group (under the National Volunteer Center - Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union) has implemented this activity.

Sowing green seeds enthusiastically

It can be said that "Exchanging books for trees" has become a familiar annual event for young people. The program practically conveys the message of green living by calling on people to bring books, paper, clothes, school supplies, toys, stuffed animals to the exchange points to receive succulents, bonsai, seeds of all kinds and environmentally friendly products and gifts. The organizers classify the collected artifacts, proceed to give them to those in need, such as children, disadvantaged students, people in remote areas, border areas, ethnic minority areas... or recycle them according to the process.

Vu Ngoc My Vy (left cover) is happy to join hands with other young people in the program "Exchange books for trees". Photo: THANH NGAN

Mr. Le Van Phuc, General Director of the Fly To Sky charity group, said that in 2023, the program received more than 16 tons of books, papers of all kinds, more than 25,000 clothing products and stuffed animals; attracting 2,552 volunteers. The new feature this year is that in addition to books and papers of all kinds, the program has expanded to receive and convert used plastic products, milk cartons, cans, old batteries. Many contents such as: drawing flower pots, decorating cloth bags, recycling plastic bottles, sowing seeds and planting trees... have all been enthusiastically responded to by young people.

Tong Bao Ngoc, a student at Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted ( Gia Lai Province), enthusiastically participated in volunteering with the desire to contribute meaningful things to life. Ngoc said: "Transporting and managing a large amount of artifacts is also a significant challenge, but thanks to the group always coordinating well with each other and the support of many parties, the days of implementing the program were filled with joy."

Vu Ngoc My Vy, a student at Mac Dinh Chi High School (HCMC), learned about the program through a friend's introduction. With a confident, enthusiastic and proactive personality, My Vy hopes to spend her time and energy to contribute to the success of the 6th "Exchange Books for Trees" season.

Small work, big meaning

As a volunteer, My Vy has many memorable memories. Because it has been carried out for many years, the organization of "Exchanging books for trees" is methodical and scientific . This is an opportunity for this female student to enrich her practical experience, learn many new things and become a better version of herself.

Tong Bao Ngoc practices many useful soft skills when participating in social activities.

As a young person who is quick, active, adaptable, and integrated into the surrounding environment, Tong Bao Ngoc does not encounter many difficulties in connecting with people. The life skills lesson that Ngoc appreciates is that when members of the group understand, listen, get along, and cooperate with each other, all problems can be solved. Ngoc really enjoys the hours of gathering for lunch with the group right at the duty point and when meeting and talking with people who come to exchange trees. In addition to the majority of young people, the "Exchange books for trees" program also attracts the attention of many middle-aged and elderly people. The encouragement of everyone has created great spiritual motivation for young volunteers.

Tran Van Hung, a student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU-HCM, was one of the first to arrive at the exchange point. Hung has supported the program for the past 2 years, he eagerly prepared books and exchanged 3 small succulent plants to bring home. "For me, these pots of plants, although not of high material value, are the result of my conscious process of saving and collecting publications. I hope these books will reach the children who need them and continue to promote their value" - Hung confided.

Many couples and groups of friends also invite each other to "Exchange books for trees". This is an action that helps them raise awareness and promote good habits in protecting the environment, and love nature more. On the other hand, young people accumulate positive emotions when they know how to spread love, share, and care for the community.

The "Exchange books for trees" program takes place every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, lasting until July 28 with more than 30 exchange points in 7 provinces and cities (Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho City, Da Nang City).

In Ho Chi Minh City, people can participate in "Exchange books for trees" at the Children's House in District 10, District 1 and Binh Tan District; Cultural House of Ward 3, District 1; Ho Chi Minh City Student Cultural House; Binh Chanh Youth Activity Area; 3.3 Café (District 3); Phu Nhuan Startup Space and District 3 Youth Union headquarters.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/diem-hen-than-quen-cua-gioi-tre-196240518200103457.htm